EU to Apply Customs Duty on Low-Value E-commerce Parcels in 2026

09:17 AM EST, 12/12/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The European Commission said Friday it welcomes the European Council's decision to introduce a fixed amount of customs duty on e-commerce packages worth less than 150 euros. A temporary levy of 3 euros per item will be imposed on parcels sent directly from third countries to consumers in the European Union, effective from July 1, 2026. Meanwhile, the council said a separate proposal for a handling fee is under discussion. The commission expects this fee to take effect in November 2026. The new duty is part of the EU's wider efforts to safeguard the competitiveness of businesses in the region.